Are you growing broccoli in Illinois, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?

Harvesting broccoli is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

• Broccoli have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.

So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest broccoli in Illinois:

• To Learn More About HOW to Grow Broccoli, Check Out This GUIDE!

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When Do I Harvest Broccoli in Illinois?

As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your broccoli: the physical features of the broccoli & weather (time).

Harvest Broccoli if They Look Like This!!!

The physical features of broccoli are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.

In general, you should harvest broccoli if they have the following physical features:

• The entire broccoli is a solid red color. If the broccoli is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
• The broccoli is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
• Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.

Harvest Your Broccoli During THIS Time of Year!!!

In general, you should harvest broccoli:

• 65 to 85 days after starting broccoli from seed
• 40 to 50 days after planting broccoli in your garden
• 20 to 30 days after broccoli first appear

And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your broccoli before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your broccoli plant and make your broccoli inedible.

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Illinois. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

Illinois Last & First Frost Dates

It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.

Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.

When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.

• If broccoli are in pots, bring them inside
• If broccoli are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
• Pick all broccoli. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.

If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Illinois, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.